New Year – New Job! Preparing for Your Virtual Interview
Bowling Green, KY (January 15, 2021) - The pandemic forced many to consider an alternative form of employment: remote work! If you were able to make the conversion from brick-and-mortar to work-at-home (WAH) without having to change jobs, you were very fortunate. Those individuals who could not had to start all over. This often meant a brand-new application process that included something foreign — the virtual interview! If you are still trying to navigate and secure WAH employment, here are a few nuggets of wisdom to help you get ready for your virtual interview.
- Preparation is VITAL: Research the company prior to your interview. This lets them know you are interested in working for them specifically and not just interested in getting a job. Write down responses to the following four questions and be ready to reply when asked:
- Tell me a little bit about yourself.
- What is your greatest weakness?
- What is your greatest strength?
- Tell me about a difficult situation.
- Set the Stage: You know when your virtual interviewer will be contacting you, so be ready! Eliminate all background noises. This is especially critical for positions that require telephone work. They know that if you cannot keep your environment quiet while you are trying to get a job, odds are it won’t be quiet and professional when you are working. Keep in mind your background should appear clutter-free and professional during the interview as well.
- Dress for Success: Wear a professional outfit that makes you feel great. You will present yourself differently if you feel good about how you look!
- Pre-Interview Practice: Take the time to practice with someone “virtually” to make sure your technology is ready to go and you are prepared to deal with any audio and video issues that may arise during the interview. Adjust your camera angle to best accommodate you and be sure to look directly into the camera and smile during the interview process.
- Wrap-up: It is important to have a few questions ready to ask about the position. For instance, “Is there opportunity for advancement?”, “Does your company offer ongoing training?” and/or “Can you describe what a normal day might entail?” Keep in mind that if the interviewer has not discussed next steps in the hiring process, this is a good time to inquire about them.
- Follow-up: Send a follow-up email within 24 hours of your interview thanking them for their time and consideration. The squeaky wheel gets the grease! Plus, it sets you apart from other candidates who may not have been as professional. It could be the one thing that gets you the position!
Digital Works has been preparing people for virtual interviews and WAH employment for the past eight years and would love the opportunity to help you get ready. If you are interested, please contact us via email at info@digitalworksjobs.com to find out how you can get started!
About the Author: Tammy Spring is the Operations Manager for Digital Works. She is responsible for providing day-to-day oversight of Connected Nation’s Digital Works program, including a wide range of training, mentoring, and supervisory activities. These activities provide guidance for job placement and career growth.